Survodutide
Overview
What is
Survodutide
?
Survodutide is an investigational dual receptor agonist that activates both the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and the glucagon receptor (GCGR). This combination makes it part of a new generation of “twincretin” or dual-acting incretin therapies being studied for obesity, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and broader metabolic diseases.
Traditional GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and liraglutide (Saxenda) primarily work through appetite suppression, satiety, and blood sugar regulation. Survodutide takes this a step further by also stimulating the glucagon receptor, which increases energy expenditure and fat metabolism, while helping to mobilize and reduce liver fat content.
This dual approach means Survodutide may deliver more robust weight loss, deeper metabolic improvements, and significant benefits for fatty liver disease, which has very few effective treatment options. It is being developed by Boehringer Ingelheim in collaboration with Zealand Pharma and is currently in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials.
How it Might Work
Dual Receptor Activation
GLP-1 receptor agonism reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, enhances satiety, and stimulates insulin secretion.
Glucagon receptor agonism promotes lipid oxidation, reduces liver fat, and increases overall energy expenditure.
Weight Loss and Appetite Regulation
Survodutide reduces caloric intake by enhancing satiety and simultaneously increases energy expenditure, resulting in significant and durable weight loss.
Liver and Metabolic Benefits
By reducing hepatic steatosis and promoting fat metabolism, Survodutide demonstrates strong potential in treating NASH and improving cardiometabolic health.
What People are Saying
Scientific Excitement
Experts highlight Survodutide’s potential to deliver next-level weight loss and significant improvements in metabolic and liver health.
Promising Clinical Outcomes
Phase 2 clinical trials have demonstrated robust reductions in body weight, improved metabolic parameters, and significant decreases in liver fat content.
Cautious Optimism
While results are highly promising, healthcare professionals stress the importance of long-term studies to evaluate safety, especially around glucagon receptor activity.
What its Being Studied for
Obesity and Weight Management
Survodutide has shown substantial weight loss effects in patients with overweight and obesity, potentially surpassing current GLP-1 monotherapies.
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
Survodutide is being investigated for its ability to reduce liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis, addressing one of the most pressing unmet needs in hepatology.
Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes
Research is exploring Survodutide’s impact on insulin sensitivity, glucose control, and cardiometabolic risk reduction in patients with obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Research Use Only
Survodutide is currently investigational:
Available only through clinical trials
Not FDA-approved for general therapeutic use
Long-term safety and efficacy remain under evaluation
FAQ
Is Survodutide FDA-approved?
No. Survodutide is still in research trials and has not been approved for general clinical use.
What are potential side effects of survodutide?
Similar to GLP-1 receptor agonists, common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Long-term safety assessments are underway.
How does Survodutide differ from Wegovy (semaglutide)?
Semaglutide activates only GLP-1 receptors, while Survodutide activates both GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, potentially providing greater fat loss, higher energy expenditure, and liver-specific benefits.
Have human trials been conducted with Survodutide?
Yes, phase 2 clinical trials have shown significant benefits in weight reduction and liver fat reduction. Phase 3 trials are currently ongoing.
How is Survodutide typically administered?
Survodutide is administered by subcutaneous injection, typically once weekly in clinical trials.
Does Survodutide provide permanent benefits?
Survodutide supports weight loss and improved metabolic health during treatment. Sustained benefits after discontinuation are still under investigation.
Dive Into the Research
Nahra, R., et al. (2023). Efficacy and safety of Survodutide, a dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, in patients with obesity: Results from a phase 2 trial. New England Journal of Medicine.
Finan, B., et al. (2022). Unimolecular dual incretin and glucagon receptor agonists for obesity and metabolic disease. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery.
Boehringer Ingelheim & Zealand Pharma. (2023). Clinical trial updates on Survodutide in obesity and NASH.
(The above references are representative and support the research context of this peptide, GLP hormone or regenerative therapy. All claims are for research purposes only and do not imply approved medical use.)
About the Author
Jake Reynolds
Last Updated
September 29, 2025